Volunteering is rewarding, fulfilling, can build confidence, and enhance social skills.
If you are looking for employment, volunteering is encouraged as you can add it to your CV, gain valuable work references, and experience in the midst of a busy work environment. Volunteers can help on a regular long term basis, or on a flexible or one off basis – we’ll match you with the right opportunity to suit your situation.
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Guidance Notes
Video
Volunteer Charter
You can also get involved by:
- Becoming a Telephone Support Volunteer
- Become a Good Neighbour Volunteer
- Fundraise for us
- Joining our Penpal Scheme
What you can expect
Once you have gone through the application and induction processes for our Friendly Visitor scheme, we will match you with an older person for you to visit and build a relationship with. You are there for a cuppa and a chat. You are not expected to take them out or do anything for them around the house (other than maybe pop the kettle on!)
We offer ongoing training and support and the chance to meet other like-minded individuals.
Who can volunteer with SCCCC
We welcome enquiries from anyone over the age of 18 and from all sectors of the community. All our volunteering opportunities are within Sheffield and Doncaster. Students are welcome to volunteer with us.
What happens once you apply
The online portal includes an application form, an equal opportunities form, and more information about our work. When we receive your completed application form, we send for references and on satisfactory receipt of these, we make an appointment for you to come in for an informal chat. We then fill in the paperwork for a DBS check (if required) and when this arrives back, we can then arrange your induction. The next step is to match you to the scheme you interested in. We pay close attention to travelling time to make the most of your volunteering experience. We offer support and supervision, relevant training opportunities to develop your skills and interests and the reimbursement of travel expenses. All the necessary insurance and security measures are in place to make your volunteering safe.
Frequently asked questions
How much of a commitment is it?
Volunteering as a friendly visitor is a long term commitment.
We would hope that when we match you up with an older person that you will enjoy your visits and become good friends.
The person you visit will soon become used to your visits and will start to look forward to seeing you.
How regularly would I be expected to visit?
Ideally, we’d like you to make an hour long visit each week or fortnight.
I work shifts, can I still volunteer?
Yes, you and your older person can arrange a visiting schedule between yourselves.
We would match you up with someone happy with a more varied visiting pattern.
It may mean you visit on different days and at different times, but variety, as they say, is the spice of life!
I have children, can I take them along with me?
Some older people love children and would benefit greatly from having them around.
Other people may not be well enough or have situations unsuitable for visiting children.
We can discuss this further when we meet up with you.
I’m at university in the local area and want to visit an older person whilst studying – is this possible?
Yes, of course.
Some students continue to be in contact with their older person after they have left university and can no longer visit regularly.
Instead, they may regularly telephone, write, or visit as and when possible.
What happens if my situation changes?
We understand that life happens!
Whether it’s moving home, moving to another city or country, a new job or family commitments which mean you have less time to give, if the time comes, all you need to do is let us know.
Will I be expected to care for the service user, take them out, do their shopping etc?
No, we don’t ask our volunteers to do any of those tasks, you are simply there for a cuppa and a chat.
To spend time with the older person, have a giggle, play a game, read, watch TV or put the world to rights.
What if I don’t get along with the person I’m matched up with?
We try our best to match our service users and volunteers up so that you will both get the best out of friendly visiting.
If you find for any reason this is not working, you will have our full support, and we will discuss options with you.
How long does it take to set me up with a volunteer?
The length of time can vary.
It can take a few weeks as we wait for the references requested to come through to us.
A DBS check (previously called a police check) would then be completed and once this has been received your induction training would be arranged.
We then start the matching process to link you up with a suitable service user.
What support is available whilst I am volunteering as a Friendly Visitor?
Once you are a fully inducted volunteer, you will be put in touch with your Good Neighbour Scheme Coordinator.
This person will be your main point of contact with SCCCC and will be there to support you through your volunteer journey, touching base and meeting up at regular intervals to see how you are getting on.
They will help with any issues or questions you may have.
What steps are taken to ensure my safety in my volunteer role?
One of the SCCCC team will have been to meet the service user and do a risk assessment of their situation and environment.
This is not only to help us to ensure the case is suitable and safe for one of our volunteers, but it also gives us an opportunity to support them.
If the person needs any additional support, we can signpost them to the relevant organisations.
We have a lone working policy with a checking in and out system, to ensure that our volunteers are supported when out and about doing their friendly visit.
Any concerns at all about the case or the service user can be discussed directly with the Good Neighbour Scheme Coordinators.
What else will be on offer to me as a Friendly Visitor?
We are always thinking of ways to meet with, celebrate, and support our volunteers.
We offer training where possible, an example of this is Dementia training.
We also arrange social events where you can come along and meet the Good Neighbour Coordinators and other friendly visitors whilst having a cuppa and a bit of cake or a lovely stroll.
We will always look to see what other information and advice we can find which may benefit your volunteering, whilst always being here to listen to your views and good ideas too.
Will I be reimbursed for any costs?
Yes, as an SCCCC Friendly Visitor, you are able to submit expense claims for your travel costs, and this will be paid back to you.
If you have any further questions, please email volunteers@scccc.co.uk
Student Volunteers with SCCCC
If you are studying in Sheffield and have some free time and want to help support older people in the local community then becoming a volunteer with SCCCC could be just the opportunity you are looking for. All of our schemes benefit from student involvement. If you need to volunteer on an ad-hoc basis to fit in with your studies, then fundraising for SCCCC could be an ideal way to help us continue our work and publicise our organisation. More details can be found on our Fundraising pages.
Make a donation to SCCCC today!
Make a donation today to assist SCCCC to maintain the level of care that all of our friends and families deserve. Your donation will go a long way to improving the level of care across the region.
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